Description
Jalapeño popper chicken casserole brings together creamy, spicy flavors in a comforting dish. Cheese, crispy bacon, and bold jalapeños create a mouthwatering meal that satisfies hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (960 ml) cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 3–4 fresh jalapenos, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup (60 ml) green onions, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup (120 ml) crushed pork rinds or crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep Station: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adhesion.
- Flavor Foundation: Whip cream cheese and sour cream together, blending in garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper until achieving a velvety smooth texture.
- Protein Fusion: Integrate shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, folding in diced jalapenos, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses to create a robust and zesty filling.
- Layering Strategy: Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring a consistent flavor profile throughout the casserole.
- Texture Enhancement: Sprinkle remaining cheese over the surface, then crown with crispy bacon crumbles to introduce a complementary crunch and depth of flavor.
- Crunchy Topping: Combine crushed pork rinds or crackers with melted butter, then scatter the golden mixture across the casserole’s surface for an enticing crisp layer.
- Baking Transformation: Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a golden bronze and the interior becomes effervescent with bubbling goodness.
- Final Flourish: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions to introduce a vibrant, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
- Serving Perfection: Rest the casserole momentarily, allowing flavors to harmonize before presenting this indulgent creation to anticipating guests.
Notes
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
- Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat chicken dry before shredding to eliminate excess moisture and maintain a crisp casserole consistency.
- Enhance Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken with turkey or rotisserie meat for convenient preparation and varied protein options.
- Optimize Cheese Melting: Allow cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother blending and more even distribution throughout the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 493
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 811 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 116 mg